Introducing carVertical Score: A single digit that shows a car’s condition at a glance

Choosing your next car can be tricky, especially when two options look alike. Not everyone has a trusted companion to help weigh the differences – and even experienced buyers can benefit from a clear, reliable nudge in the right direction.

That’s where our new report feature, the carVertical Score, steps in. It turns a vehicle’s history into a single number, helping you quickly understand its condition and make a confident choice.

What is the carVertical Score?

The carVertical Score is a data-driven rating that reflects a vehicle’s condition and reliability. It ranges from 0 to 100 (with 100 representing a brand-new vehicle with no history), and can help you quickly understand the car’s background.

Here’s what each score indicates:

• 0–60: The vehicle has a history of serious issues, so be extra cautious before buying it.
• 61–75: The car comes with some notable records, but its overall condition and value are still passable.
• 76-85: The vehicle shows only minor concerns, is in good condition, and is worth considering.
• 86–100: The car has a clean history, is in good condition with no significant matters, and makes a strong option.

From now on, you will see a carVertical Score at the top of carVertical reports, alongside the vehicle information. To ensure you can trust it, it’s only generated for cars with sufficient quality data.

How we calculate the carVertical Score

We calculate the carVertical Score by looking at all available events in the car’s history, then grouping them into three categories:

• Operation, including mileage records, age, and commercial usage (such as a former taxi or rental)
• Defects, such as damages and recalls
• Dispossession, which includes theft, legal status, and similar issues

Each event within these categories contributes points to the carVertical Score based on its impact on the vehicle’s reliability or value.

For example, defects, such as high-severity accidents resulting in structural damage, are penalized more heavily (meaning they have a bigger impact on the final score) than issues like ownership changes, due to their long-term implications.

We first calculate the points within each category, then apply the categories’ weights, and finally add the results together to determine the final score.

Once done, the carVertical Score for that vehicle appears at the top of the report.

For more details on the method behind it, visit our Help Center article.

Why it matters for you

The carVertical Score gives you a clear picture of a car’s condition in just one number, making it faster and easier to understand what a vehicle’s history really looks like.

If you’re looking for a reliable ride, you can use the carVertical Score to:

• Compare multiple cars easily without digging through every detail
• Prioritize which cars to inspect more closely based on their score
• Negotiate more effectively, using the score to support your position
• Buy with confidence, knowing the score reflects verified records

If you’re selling your beloved car, carVertical Score can help you:

• Highlight your car’s value at a glance, making your listing stand out
• Increase transparency by showing you’re upfront about your car’s history
• Sell faster by building credibility and trust with potential buyers
• Back up your asking price using the score as a reliable reference

Whether you’re buying or selling, carVertical Score is here to help you make smarter decisions. Try it out in your next report!